I planted 3 conifers bought at the local garden centre last year. None of them have really thrived with browning of branches, turning black. One has died and on digging it up I found numerous yellow and some blue small spheres in the roots. I don't know whether these are insect eggs, spores or what. If they are indicative as to why the tree died, then that could help me treat and resolve the problems with the other two. Has anyone any ideas?

26 May, 2010

Answers

The small spheres are probably food pellets that have been added to the soil when potted up.
I don't know what's wrong with your conifers, someone else may have a clue. Most good garden centres guarantee their plants for a year or more so it's worth going back there with a dead branch for advice.